2025 Client Roadshow Honors Small Businesses Across New York State

The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) is committed to empowering entrepreneurs through no-cost, 1-on-1 advisement, education, and research. Just as importantly, we believe in celebrating our clients’ journeys and spotlighting their successes as part of New York’s small business story.

The 2025 Client Awards Roadshow brought this mission to life, traveling across the state to recognize small business owners who exemplify innovation, resilience, and community impact. From Brooklyn to Buffalo to the North Country, these honorees represent the diversity and strength of New York’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Neighborhood Business of the Year
Liz’s Book Bar

Author Maura Cheeks turned her dream of opening a bookstore, café, and wine bar into reality with help from the Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn SBDC. After securing SBA-backed financing, Liz’s Book Bar opened in Brooklyn, creating seven jobs and quickly surpassing expectations. The business, named after Maura’s grandmother, has become a community hub and literary haven.

Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year
Sunflower Café

In Bayport, NY, chef and owner Stace Hansen reimagined a French café into Sunflower Café, blending food, art, and family. With support from the Farmingdale SBDC, Stace invested in the building and assets, creating a thriving restaurant that grew to 15 employees and exceeded $1.2 million in sales within its first year.

Procurement Entrepreneur of the Year
Multi Media Promotions

Beth Levine, CEO of Multi Media Promotions, has spent over two decades building her firm into a procurement leader. With guidance from the Stony Brook SBDC, Beth earned certifications and mastered contracting processes that enabled her to win significant government and corporate contracts. Her company continues to grow as a trusted partner in the procurement space.

Family-Owned Business of the Year
Oswego Sub Shop

For more than 55 years, Oswego Sub Shop has been a staple of its community, known for quality food and strong local ties. With help from the North Central SBDC, owner Bill Greene, Jr. expanded the shop with a renovation and bakery addition. Now employing more than 40 people, the shop continues to thrive while giving back to the community.

Manufacturer of the Year
Vesucre

Based in Oneonta, Vesucre, founded by Sarah Hartmann, is redefining plant-based frozen desserts with a zero-waste, clean-label approach. Supported by the Southern Tier SBDC, Vesucre scaled production while partnering with local nonprofits to create inclusive employment opportunities. The business is a model of sustainability, innovation, and community collaboration.

Tech Business of the Year
Seen Nutrition

Cornell food scholar Dr. Adrienne Bitar and pharmacist Dr. Jennifer Han co-founded Seen Nutrition to transform women’s health through food-based supplementation. Their first product, a calcium chew made from real food ingredients, has already seen strong demand. With support from the Southern Tier SBDC, they are scaling their impact and exploring export opportunities.

Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year
Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Founded by U.S. Army veteran Dr. Logan Curtis, Upstate Oral Surgery in Watertown has grown from a solo practice into a multi-surgeon operation. With assistance from the North Central SBDC, Dr. Curtis secured financing for expansion into a new office. His business reflects service, skill, and entrepreneurship at its best.

Community Impact Business of the Year
Birch Tree Montessori

Founded by retired teachers Karyn Dieffenderfer and Rosemary Morgese, Birch Tree Montessori in Warners, NY, is shaping young learners through hands-on exploration and community-centered education. With help from the North Central SBDC, they established and grew their school, creating a nurturing space that has quickly become a community cornerstone.

Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Suzy Q’s

When her longtime employer retired, Susan Burdick stepped forward to purchase and rebrand the beloved Mrs. Shake ice cream shop in Mohawk, NY. With guidance from the Mohawk Valley SBDC, Susan secured financing, grants, and relaunched as Suzy Q’s. The shop has expanded its offerings, preserved jobs, and strengthened its role as a community gathering spot.

Phoenix Business of the Year
Martin’s Pretzel Bakery

At just 20 years old, Josiah Martin became the fourth generation to operate Martin’s Pretzels, carrying forward a 90-year tradition. Less than two months after opening in Moira, NY, a fire nearly ended the legacy, but with support from the North Country SBDC, community partners, and the Barstool Fund, Josiah rebuilt in under a year. Today, Martin’s Pretzel Bakery thrives once again, embodying resilience and rural entrepreneurship.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Glow Video

Buffalo-based filmmaker Robin Lazzara turned her creative vision into a thriving business with the launch of Glow Video. With help from the Buffalo SBDC, Robin built a foundation for growth, serving nonprofits, small businesses, and artists with professional media production. Her grassroots approach and community leadership have made her a standout in Western New York’s creative economy.

Rural Business of the Year
CK Natural Fruit Juice

Melissa Baideme, founder of CK Natural Fruit Juice, turned her passion for food manufacturing into a fast-growing wholesale business in Western New York. With guidance from the Southwest Region SBDC, Melissa secured support and resources to expand her operations. Her company’s growth has now earned national recognition, including the SBA’s 2025 Small Business of the Year Award.

Through the 2025 Client Awards Roadshow, the NYSBDC proudly celebrates these inspiring entrepreneurs. Their stories showcase not only the determination of small business owners, but also the power of guidance, education, and recognition in building stronger communities across New York.